Allan Kardec-THE Spirit's Book_ The Principles of Spiritist Doctrine (1989)

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THE SPIRITS’ BOOK
than would be done by a friend. Let him, then, who is firmly resolved on self-improvement
examine his conscience in order to root out his evil tendencies, as he roots out the weeds from
his garden; let him every night. cast up his moral accounts for the day, as the tradesman
counts tip his profit and loss; he may be sure that the former will be a more profitable
operation than the latter. He who, after this footing tip of his day's doings, can say that the
balance of the account; is in his favour, may sleep in peace, and fearlessly await the moment
of his awaking in the other life.
"Let the questions you address to us be clear and precise, and do not hesitate to multiply
them; you may well devote a few minutes to the securing of a happiness that will last for ever.
Do you not labour every day with a view to insuring repose for your old age ? Is not this
repose the object of your desires, the aim that prompts your endurance of the fatigues and
privations of the moment ? But what comparison is there between a few days of rest,
impaired by the infirmities of the body, and the endless rest that awaits the virtuous ? and is
not this latter worth the making of a few efforts ? I know that many will say, 'The present is
certain, and the future uncertain ;' but this is precisely the error we are charged to remove
from your minds, by showing you your future in such a way as to leave no doubt in your
minds concerning it. This is why, having begun by producing phenomena calculated to arrest
your attention through their appeal to your senses, we now give you the moral teachings that
each of you is charged t6 spread abroad in his turn. It is to this end that we have dictated The
Spirit's Book."
SAINT AUGUSTINE